Today is World Autism Awareness Day

A day of education, awareness and fundraising in support of the over 60

million people with autism around the world.

…We are pretty aware of Autism in our little corner of the world…

About World Autism Awareness Day

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States.

This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

World Autism Awareness Day will shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities will help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and will impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD will celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and will be a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.

By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to make this possible.

UN World Autism Awareness Day Resolution, Translated

About the Logo
The design of the World Autism Awareness Day logo is intended to represent the global aspect of this effort. The earth is surrounded by whimsical illustrations of people who symbolize the seven continents of the world. We hope to see the logo used around the world to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. Please feel free to use, reprint and distribute any of the following materials for promotional and educational purposes. However, the content may not be altered without written consent. If you have any questions about fair use or suggestions for future materials, please contact us.